Laserfiche WebLink
<br />) <br /> <br />DRAFT <br /> <br />Public Involvement Plan <br />for <br />Channel catfish and centrarchid removal <br />in two reaches of the Green River <br /> <br />RATIONALE FOR NONNATIVE REMOVAL PROJECT <br /> <br />In the past ten years, nonnative fishes, particularly channel catfish and some centrarchid species <br />(smallmouth bass, green sWlfish and black crappie) have been noted to prey and compete with <br />native species, thereby negatively impacting some endangered fish populations in stretches of the <br />Green River. In addition to anecdotal reports of catfish effects on Colorado squawfish, remains <br />of young Colorado squawfish have been found in stomachs of several nonnative fish species. <br />Due to their reproductive success, high densities, and widespread distribution, channel catfish are <br />considered the largest threat in the Green River below Green River, Utah. Lengths of catfish <br />collected in this area indicated the majority were less than 300 mm and suggests a stable and <br />recruiting population structure. However, this species is thought to show minimal movement and <br />migration, and densities may be reduced and controlled in specific reaches identified as important <br />to endangered fish early life growth and recruitment while other areas maintain angling <br />opportunities. Other nonnative species, particularly some centrarchid species present in high <br />densities in the Ouray area, are more site-specific in both occurrence and densities; control of <br />these species may be effective if focused in target source areas like tributary mouths or near <br />riverside impoundment outlets. <br /> <br />In 1996, the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper <br />Colorado River Basin (RIP) committed to investigating options for reducing nonnative threats <br />and approved a strategic plan for controlling nonnative fishes through mechanical removal as a <br />means of reducing negative native/nonnative interactions and promoting recovery of affected <br />endangered fish species like the Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker. To ensure successful <br />, removal efforts, an experimental approach that incoporates systematic evaluation and an adaptive <br />study design are necessary. If current preliminary nonnative removal efforts are ineffective, other <br />options for nonnative control may be explored. As such, efforts currently taking place should be <br />considered preliminary and intended to determine feasibility of a committment to a long-term <br />nonnative removal project. <br /> <br />Preliminary efforts are limited to two 10 to 20 mile reaches in the Green River which is in or near <br />popular angling and recreational use areas. This Public Involvement Plan (PIP) is intended to <br />identify issues that may concern the public and to inform and educate the public on the nonnative <br />removal projects and recovery efforts in the Green River. Specifically, this document identifies <br />some of the issues that are potential conflicts between angling and other recreational uses and <br />nonnative removal, informs interested public, and outlines options for their input. <br /> <br />1 DRAFT <br />